A delegation of French senators has arrived in Taiwan despite Chinese protests

A delegation of French senators has arrived in Taiwan despite Chinese protests

Despite Beijing’s looming red rag, a delegation of four French senators led by a former defense minister arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday, October 6.

Since March, China has been trying to dissuade French senators from making the trip to the island, which it considers one of its provinces. The Chinese Embassy in France warned that the visit would harm China’s interests, Sino-French relations, and “France Picture” In recent comments on her website.

The French Foreign Ministry dismissed China’s protests, saying senators were free to roam. “The Senators are making this visit despite threats from the Chinese ambassador to France, which shows their firm commitment to the spirit of freedom and democracy.”For its part, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

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“One China Principle”

In February, the Chinese ambassador sent a letter to Alan Richard, former defense minister in the government of Lionel Jospin (1997-2002), declaring that his visit “It will clearly violate the one-China principle and send a wrong signal to the pro-independence forces in Taiwan.”. Presidential Majority Member Alan Richard leads the information and discussion group between the Senate and Taiwan. He has already visited the island in 2015 and 2018. He, for his part, refutes any questioning of the one-China principle.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said the delegation will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday before concluding their tour on Sunday. The Taiwanese leader welcomed the French delegation.

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We warmly welcome the French delegation led by Senator Alain Richard to Taiwan. I look forward to meeting you and working together to enhance Taiwan-France relations.”Tsai Ing-wen tweeted.

Beijing opposes Taipei conducting official exchanges with other countries and has persistently tried in recent years to dissuade politicians from going there. Tensions with Taipei escalated after another round of Chinese aircraft raids in the Taipei Air Defense Zone on Monday.

Taiwan’s defense minister said, on Wednesday, that military relations with Beijing were at their lowest level in four decades “For the military, the current situation is the bleakest in more than forty years.”In front of Parliament, Qiu Kucheng said, while About 150 Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan’s air defense zone Since Beijing celebrates its National Day on Friday. Mr. Chiu warned that even a “slight foolishness” or a “Account Error” can perform “crisis” in the Taiwan Strait, adding that Beijing will be able to launch a large-scale offensive in 2025.

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The world with AFP

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